Fate’s Destiny ~ Chapter 14.5 || The Darknight hero
You somehow, not being able to explain it, had fallen into the Genshin world you know oh-so-well. You were no new player and had explored most of the nooks and crannies of the world. When you first had woken up in Windrise you wondered; it might be a dream, after all, you were behind your screen usually, and now- here? It made no sense, and the world was keen on keeping it that way.
Warnings: Spoilers for main story.
Word count: 2.8k+
Auteurs note: I realised I was a hypocrite for only wanting to finish Fate's Destiny on AO3, because I prefer reading on this site and you (likely) do too. The romance chapter WILL be locked on AO3 though, just saying that in advance (I get wayyy more interaction there)
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Some time ago, in the Dawn Winery:
As much as Diluc loves his eagle, he’s grown wary of the times he’d see it return with a note. More often than not, these letters mean more work. And nowadays, that work involves trying to solve world problems and the return of the Creator.
Quite frankly, he is done with it. Done with how he seemed to be getting only three hours of sleep per night for the past weeks. Done with the fact that he seemed to be the only rational-thinking person left in Mondstadt. And done with the fact that now an Archon was dead, too.
It gave him a headache.
The red insides of his glove caress the parchment on which the news of Rex Lapis’ death was written. It had arrived after he finished his late evening shift in Angel’s Share, and given to him by Elzer. He had broken the wax seal indicating it came from a business partner in Liyue, and discarded it on his desk. He hadn’t even bothered to undo his shoes or jacket, because he had decided to gamble on good news from the note and now he regretted it.
If anything that the bard had said was true, they were fucked regardless of what he’d do at this point.
Diluc sits down in the big chair of his office. His desk is usually clearer. There remained enough space on it to work on, but the unfinished piles of paperwork kept increasing, indicating his stress and lack of time without needing to glance at him—for his environment was a testament to it.
A moment passes, and he half-heartedly debates on sleeping in his chair. The master bedroom seemed too far away, and he’d be content to sleep with his clothes on. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d fall asleep here either, but he had enough sense to rest properly before his journey to Liyue. After all, he’d need all his energy if he were to depart on a mission.
Through the dark and now silent halls, Diluc approaches his bed. One foot after another, he drags himself forward, giving up his composure to deal with the lethargic feeling that seeps through his bones.
With his trusty horse pulling the carriage, Diluc had anticipated needing a single pit stop before he would arrive in Liyue. With his connections in Wangshuu Inn, he’d had booked a room so his horse could rest overnight. In the meantime, he would take the opportunity to gather information regarding Rex Lapis’ downfall. Any news of the Creator would, of course, be important too, but he doubts he’d find any. The situation in Mondstadt seemed to have scared the Creator enough to return to hiding, possibly disappearing altogether again.
There is something he doesn’t quite understand. If Venti could sense their aura, and Albedo and Kaeya could too, why couldn’t he? Why couldn’t Jean or anyone else in Mondstadt? He could reason that the bard was an Archon and thus could sense the Creator better than anyone else, but the other two?
The red-head turns the doorknob and pushes the door open. Unlike the state he’d left the room in this morning, his bed was freshly made. New sheets were folded over the mattress without a single crease, his pillows seemed fluffier, and the curtains he hadn’t bothered to open were now parted, allowing him to bask in the moonlight.
Diluc is kicking his boots off when he notices the suitcase at the footrest of his bed. He can’t recall preparing it. It seems that Adelinde helped him once again.
For nights, he’s been trying to find answers. It had almost initiated a search for the bard, but apparently, no one had seen him since he left the Favonious Headquarters that day. Wherever he disappeared off to, Diluc could only hope that he had found the Creator.
Red hair falls into the pillow with a dull thud and Diluc doesn’t bother to move the blankets above his body. He’d always been a warm person, his vision only amplified it. Even in the winter, he is more comfortable without a blanket.
There is so much to do, so much to come. Tomorrow will be a big day. He needs to reserve all the energy he can.
Diluc closes his eyes, and by the time the first light shines upon him, he is awake.
“I will not take him with me.” Diluc glares at Amber. He watches her load Kaeya’s backpack into the carriage. She seems excited despite his moody behaviour.
“Jean gave him provisions, so you don’t need to share anything. Just take him to Liyue and he’ll do the rest.” She sends him a thumbs up after patting the luggage and Diluc is certain his head is as red as her headband by the time he makes eye contact with his brother.
As if it couldn’t get worse, Kaeya seems to get delight out of the situation.
“If the Acting Grand Master wanted Kaeya to go to Liyue, she could’ve given him his own carriage. I don’t see why he needs to come along with me.” Diluc forces his eyes in front of the road. Somehow, during the short time he mounted his horse and said goodbye to Adelinde and Elzer, the two had snuck most of Kaeya’s belongings into the carriage. It was enough to make his blood boil.
Diluc hears Kaeya’s voice pop up from the carriage behind him. “Don’t worry, Diluc. I won’t say a word. You’ll hardly know I’m here at all.”
“I doubt it.”
Amber takes a step backwards and puts her hands on her hips. “There we go! All set and ready. Remember,” She turns to Kaeya, pointing at him as sternly as she can. “You still need to take it easy. Lisa was kind enough to brew you a potion that’d relieve any pain flares, but that doesn’t mean you can be reckless.”
Kaeya chuckles. He reassures her and with that, Diluc gives in.
Did anyone listen to him at all?
He turns his head over his shoulder and sees Kaeya’s blue hair pop out between the suitcases and barrels of wine. “Don’t.”
Kaeya pulls his hands up and he sees a familiar mischievous smile. “I wouldn’t dare.”
Amber finds Diluc’s red eyes. “Be safe on the road, okay? I hear traffic has been slow in Liyue.”
He wonders if Jean had told her about Rex Lapis, either or both his death or revival. His chest falls when a sigh escapes his lips. “If we’re heading out now, we should arrive before dusk.”
“Amber, could you give my thanks to Lisa?”
“Will do! Just don’t overdo it and you’ll be fine.”
Diluc counts the hairs on his horse’s mane to distract himself. Once the small talk fades into silence, he pulls the reigns, gently patting his horse and signalling to start moving forward.
He hears Amber yell out one last goodbye.
Diluc enters an establishment which resembles a tavern much like his own, but in a style that’s foreign and specific to Liyue. There is a warm and cosy vibe to the building that's similar to his own, but it has a sense of luxury and class that Mondstadt’s infrastructure fails to convey.
Sharp edges, asymmetrical designs, details and engravings in even the corners of the lounge area. Even the art seems more complex. The building tells an ancient story.
Before he can close the door behind him, the owner greets him. Much like he is, this man is a player in the wine industry. While the drink is less popular in Liyue than it is in Mondstadt, the face is a familiar one. He and Diluc have a longstanding business relationship. And because of this, the man thankfully skips formalities to bring him to a secluded room where they can talk.
“Are there any updates on the current situation?” Diluc sits in front of the middle-aged male. The smile he had worn before is now gone and he mirrored Diluc’s serious tone.
“Nothing, aside from a few public appearances. The situation seems to have settled thankfully.”
The man refers to Rex Lapis. Despite Diluc’s long acquaintance with this man, he felt like any news of the Creator should’ve been reserved for him only—at least until he’d find out what felt off about the situation and could confidently retell the events leading up to now.
Diluc rubs the space between his eyebrows with his thumb and index finger. “Are you certain the Qixing isn’t trying to cover up the fact that he died?”
It was a reasonable thing to assume in his eyes. Should the Archon be dead, Liyue would fall in disarray. The Qixing would do anything to avoid that.
At least, he knows he would.
“I’m certain. The Yaksha has made a valiant effort to stay by his side. If my sources are correct, the other Adepti have also interacted with Rex Lapis multiple times.”
“So you believe in the resurrection?”
The man hesitates, “Rex Lapis has chosen to fit his form to the modern age, hoping he could connect with his people like he once did. So, yes. I believe it… and I hope you can too.”
Diluc realises that the pause had not been doubt towards the Archon, but rather a moment to think about his next words. The man wanted Diluc to stop questioning Rex Lapis.
Noticing the tension in the topic, Diluc moves to a different question, also related, although not directly. “And the Creator’s celebration? Is there anything noteworthy this year?”
“The people are more excited this year because of Rex Lapis’ revival. Some believe he will announce this year’s fortune himself.” The man smiles. Diluc can feel the tension leave the room as the other gets more excited. “You should stay. I got a free room in the building. Take it, and we can strengthen our businesses while we enjoy the festival.”
A polite smile forms on Diluc’s face and the man holds up his hand in front of him, successfully shutting down any words that might escape Diluc’s lips. “Don’t tell me, you’re off on your next move after our visit.”
Diluc is surprised by the laugh that escapes his lips. “Unfortunately, I have no time to waste on festivals. There is a matter that greatly concerns me and I can’t sleep until I’ve found it.”
The man raises an eyebrow. Curiosity flashes in his face, and then he lets him go. “Your loss. This year’s festival is going to be the biggest Teyvat has ever seen."
The following two days are filled with similar conversations between business partners. By the morning of the third day, Diluc goes to his carriage as he and Kaeya had promised. When they arrived in Liyue, the two decided to split up. At first, Diluc was against this idea. With Kaeya out of sight, he was certain he’d start a blind search for the creator. However, this was also the exact reason why he eventually gave in.
If Diluc could not find the Creator, (although he doubted the following;) Kaeya could have a chance of finding valuable information.
But as time continues to waste and the sun begins to reach its peak, his patience begins to dry out. While waiting, Diluc shuffles the information back and forth.
Could Rex Lapis’s revival have anything to do with the Creator’s disappearance? And if so, was their arrival caused by his ‘death’?
Something about it seemed wrong. It made more sense that Rex Lapis’ death was either unexpected or planned—making it unrelated to the Creator. In no way would the Creator descend for Teyvat after all those years.
Not after ignoring Sumeru’s situation, Inazuma’s lockdown, or the Fatui.
Right…?
Approaching footsteps interrupt his thoughts and Diluc glares at Kaeya. “You’re two hours late.”
Kaeya’s periwinkle eye rolls dramatically. “How is it that you always sully my mood?”
“Perhaps it’s because you’re two. Hours. Late.”
Kaeya climbs in the carriage and moves between the barrels to the front. He sticks his head out. “Is this a gift for me?”
Diluc frowns, now confused and angry. He looks at Kaeya, whose eyes move to the wine barrels. It takes Diluc a second, “I forgot.”
“You forgot?”
Diluc resists the urge to strangle Kaeya and mentally facepalms. The wine business was a scheme to get in and out of the city on legal terms. He hadn’t anticipated the city’s lockdown to cease before he arrived, and he had genuinely forgotten about the barrels when his mind was too occupied with meetings between all his contacts in the Habor. When he had realised this, the words had left his mouth before he could come up with a pleasing excuse.
He waves his hand down. “We’re leaving. It’s already late enough. I doubt we’ll arrive at Wangshuu Inn before sunset.”
Before Kaeya’s figure retracts back into the carriage, Diluc notices the smile on his brother’s face. It wasn’t his usual carefree smile. It was a smile that sparked genuine joy and freedom, much unlike the shield he normally wears. The way he carried himself seemed lighter, and his body was more relaxed. Diluc had only seen this expression before his father had died. Only when both he and Kaeya had a warm home to return to.
He wants to ask him about it but suddenly his legs feel heavy and his mind can’t find the right words.
Diluc stands still for a few moments. He feels guilt and regret but there is also a part of jealousy and envy that he wishes to rip out of his heart.
They’re both silent as they depart Liyue Harbor.
Kaeya sits with his back against one of the wine barrels that are stacked and secured together. This way, he can comfortably look out of the back of the carriage as they travel. He sees many people. Most go in the opposite direction of him, from the north to the south, certainly something caused by the upcoming Creator festival, but a few travellers head in the same direction.
Selfishly, he hopes he’ll see you between them.
To briefly recap his events in Liyue; Kaeya had ditched Diluc at the first possible moment. The feeling of dread had then carried him into a blind chase, trying to find your aura until he bumped into Lumine and Paimon. Because of past events, he trusted the two and explained his situation—finally admitting his nightmares of the Creator dying. At that point, the two would grow pale-faced and he’d learn you’d been their companion since your disappearance from Dragonspine.
Fortunately for him, once he saw his reflection in your eyes, the dread left his body and he could breathe again. Nightmares were deceiving, he should’ve known they weren’t real. He would then talk with you, trying to catch up with you for as long as you needed him, and then would leave with a light heart.
Despite wanting to, he realised it would be unfair to influence your choices with his presence. So, on his second day in Liyue, when he saw you stroll around in the harbour; he’d turn away and leave you to your own choices. From the outskirts of the city, Kaeya would continue to bask in the feeling of your aura. He’d enjoy the way it made him feel stronger and connected to the world.
By the third and final day, that feeling and your aura would slowly go further and further away.
You had left for Mondstadt.
The dread had returned and left, as your aura got further and closer again.
Part of him was excited to see you in these crowds. Part of him kept looking at every person with a cloak covering their face, hoping he could see you behind it. But he knows better.
Despite no one feeling the aura like he does, your appearance is an undeniable connection towards the Creator. Should he see you, others would too. And after the events of Mondstadt, he doubts Liyue would handle it differently.
He knows you’re smarter than to reveal yourself, and so he knows he won’t see you untill you’re both in Mondstadt again.
Kaeya sighs and makes his way towards the front of the carriage.
Diluc turns his head over his shoulder and raises an eyebrow. “What?”
“Do you think we’ll be able to stop at Wangshuu inn?”
The redhead had already focused his eyes on the road when he answered. “We’ll either be lucky enough to arrive close to midnight so we can depart at dawn, or we’ll have to depart later in the morning and arrive in Mondstadt in the night.”
Diluc hears shuffling from behind him, and he realises Kaeya has retracted himself again. Once again, the Cavalry Captain appeared almost sickly, and Diluc wonders if it has anything to do with Kaeya possibly having met the Creator.
Fortunately for him, his answers are instantly answered.
With a spark of luck, he catches Lumine and Paimon walking on the side of the road.
And next to them, hidden beneath a cloak, the Creator:
You.
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